Surname Barnette - Meaning and Origin

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T. Barnette

Barnette: What does the surname Barnette mean?

The last name Barnette is of Anglo-Saxon origin and primarily found in England and Scotland. It is derived from the personal name "Bernard", an Old Germanic name consisting of the elements "ber(n)" meaning "bear" and "hard" meaning "brave, hardy, or strong". Over time, it developed variants such as Barnard, Bernard, and finally Barnette. The suffix 'ette' is a diminutive, suggesting that the name could have been used to denote a smaller or younger person named Bernard, or possibly a kinship indicating "son of Bernard". Many surnames originated from patronymics, occupational descriptions, geographical locations or character descriptors. So, the Barnette surname could suggest being a descendant of a strong, brave individual named Bernard. Remember, surnames traveled and evolved, acquiring various spellings, so tracing exact meanings can often be speculative.

Barnette: Where does the name Barnette come from?

The surname Barnette is of Old French and Old English origin. It is a variant of the name Barnett, which was derived from the medieval personal name, "Bernard". It came to Britain with the Normans during the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name is made up of two components: "bern", which means bear, and "hard", which means hardy, brave, or strong.

This surname is common in Anglo-Saxon countries and widely spread in North America, predominantly the United States, where it was introduced by settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the United Kingdom, it is mainly found in Yorkshire. As at 2014, there were approximately 38,292 Barnettes in the United States, making it the 922nd most common surname. States with a significant number of people bearing this surname include Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Due to historical migration patterns, the surname can also be found in other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and certain parts of Europe, albeit in smaller numbers.

Variations of the surname Barnette

The surname Barnette is believed to have English origins. Several different variations, spellings and similar surname origins exist, which can be traced back to the Old English pre 7th Century words "bern", referring to a barn or granary, and "aet", meaning "at the".

Among the many variants of the surname Barnette is also the name Barnett, which is more common and well-known. You also find different spelling forms such as Barnet, Barnatt, Barnetts, Bernett and Barnitt. Variations can also extend to double-barrel surnames such as Barnett-Smith or Barnette-Jones where the families may have chosen to hyphenate the surnames.

Some other less common variations can exist based on regional and international dialects and pronunciations. For example, the French version could be Barnete or Barnét. These surnames all have the same essential root and meaning and may differ due to cultural and geographical influences.

But please note that surnames can have many origins and it is impossible to guarantee that these are variants or related surnames without further genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Barnette

• Breanna Stewart Barnette: An American professional basketball player, known famously for her role in the Seattle Storm of the Women's National Basketball Association.
• Dawn Barnette: An American television personality who appeared in the popular reality television series named "Married at First Sight".
• Rex Barnette: A former American football player who played as a defensive back for several teams in the National Football League.
• Alycia Debnam-Carey Barnette: An Australian actress known for her roles in the TV series "The 100" and "Fear the Walking Dead".
• Brittany Barnette: A professional gospel singer also known as "Britt" who has released music albums like "Say It" and "Britt".
• Clara Luper Barnette: Was an American civil rights leader and a retired schoolteacher who was recognized for her work to end segregation.
• Shane Barnette: The Superintendent of Cullman County Schools in Alabama who is known for his dedication to public education.
• Deon Barnette: This Jamaican footballer played as a forward for Village United in the National Premier League.
• Valerie Barnette: Known for her radio work, she co-hosts the "Valerie and Mike Show" on Star 102.1 in Knoxville, TN.
• Rod Barnette: A professional golfer who has competed in numerous PGA tournaments.

Other surnames

BarnetBarnetskieBarnettBarnettson